ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may send military personnel to Palestine as part of a proposed Gaza peacekeeping mission, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday. He stressed that the final decision will be made by the country’s leadership, while criticising opponents of the plan: “Do they want bloodshed to continue? Do they want children and women to keep dying?”
Dar revealed that Indonesia has already offered 20,000 troops for the “Gaza Special Force,” while Pakistan is still reviewing its options. The peacekeeping blueprint calls for Israeli withdrawal, deployment of an international force, and oversight by a Palestinian-majority peace board.
Pakistan’s Position at the UN
He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly raised the Palestinian issue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), meeting world leaders from Australia, Kuwait, Arab and Islamic nations, and the United States. Pakistan’s message, he said, remained firm: a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and full Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
Dar added that the United States had circulated a 21-point peace document. Pakistan accepted parts of it but pushed amendments, insisting that its revisions be included.
Regional and Global Cooperation
The deputy prime minister underlined Pakistan’s coordination with Muslim states and SAARC members, and welcomed an eight-nation agreement on the West Bank though some critics opposed it. He also warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening: “Hunger itself is becoming a weapon.”
Dar expressed confidence that the global community, including the US, would work towards peace. “Pakistan’s policy has always been clear we will continue to stand by Palestine’s rights,” he said.
Trump, Netanyahu, and the US Plan
Meanwhile in Washington, US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push his Gaza peace plan. Trump said he was “very confident” about securing a ceasefire, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and the release of hostages within 48 hours. In exchange, Israel would free over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, disagreements persist over the role of international forces and the Palestinian Authority in post-war Gaza. Trump has also expressed frustration with Netanyahu, warning him against annexing the West Bank a move that would derail the peace process.
Despite hurdles, both Arab states and Israel continue negotiations, while Pakistan signals its readiness to play a role in restoring peace.
